Introduction
In the world of competitive gaming, few titles have left as profound an impact as League of Legends. Since its release in 2009, it has evolved into a global esports phenomenon, captivating millions of fans and players across continents. The game’s constant updates, dynamic meta, and high-stakes competitions have created not just legendary players but unforgettable rivalries that define eras.
Rivalries are the beating heart of competition—they fuel passion, drive excellence, and captivate audiences with drama both inside and outside the game. In League of Legends, rivalries are more than just contests of skill; they are clashes of philosophies, playstyles, and cultures. From fierce regional battles to international showdowns, these rivalries have shaped the very identity of the esport.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best rivalries in League of Legends history—those timeless matchups that have defined seasons, inspired fan bases, and produced some of the greatest moments the game has ever seen.
1. T1 (SK Telecom T1) vs. Samsung Galaxy / Gen.G – The Korean Power Struggle
At the height of League of Legends’ competitive scene, Korea reigned supreme, and at the heart of that dominance stood two titans: SK Telecom T1 (now T1) and Samsung Galaxy (later Gen.G). Their rivalry defined the golden era of Korean League of Legends, marked by dramatic Worlds finals, legendary players, and unforgettable storylines.
The rivalry began in earnest during the 2016 and 2017 World Championships. In 2016, T1, led by the legendary Faker, faced Samsung Galaxy in the Worlds final. The series was intense, with Samsung pushing T1 to five games before Faker and his squad claimed victory. It was hailed as one of the greatest finals in LoL history.
But in 2017, Samsung Galaxy returned with vengeance. With CuVee, Ambition, and Ruler leading the charge, Samsung swept T1 3–0 in the Worlds final, marking the end of T1’s era of invincibility. Faker’s emotional reaction after the loss became an iconic image—a symbol of both the pain and beauty of competition.
The rivalry between T1 and Samsung (later Gen.G) still resonates today, representing the ever-shifting balance of power in Korean esports. It showcased how fierce domestic competition in Korea forged champions who could conquer the world.
2. T1 vs. KT Rolster – The Telecom War
If there’s one rivalry that captures the essence of League of Legends history, it’s the legendary Telecom War between T1 (SKT T1) and KT Rolster. This battle transcends esports—it’s rooted in South Korea’s corporate landscape, as SK Telecom and KT Corporation are rival telecommunications companies. That real-world rivalry spilled perfectly into the virtual arena.
From the early days of League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), the Telecom War was more than just a match; it was an event. Both teams were packed with superstar players—Faker, Bang, and Wolf for SKT; Score, Smeb, and Deft for KT. Their encounters were known for their intensity, strategic depth, and dramatic reversals.
One of the most famous moments came in the 2017 LCK Summer Finals, where SKT and KT battled in a five-game series that many still consider one of the greatest in LoL history. The tension, the plays, and the sheer quality of gameplay represented everything that makes League of Legends esports so captivating.
Even as rosters and eras have changed, the Telecom War remains one of the sport’s most enduring rivalries—one built on history, pride, and the pursuit of supremacy.
3. Fnatic vs. G2 Esports – The European Crown Clash
When it comes to Europe, no rivalry looms larger than Fnatic vs. G2 Esports. These two powerhouses have defined the European scene for nearly a decade, dominating the region and producing some of the most entertaining matches in League of Legends history.
Fnatic, as one of the oldest and most decorated organizations in LoL, set the standard in Europe’s early years. But when G2 burst onto the scene in 2016, they quickly established themselves as the new kings. The two teams clashed repeatedly in LEC Finals, splitting championships and trading eras of dominance.
Their rivalry reached its peak between 2018 and 2020. Fnatic, featuring Rekkles and Bwipo, faced G2’s star-studded roster with Perkz and Caps. When Caps, Fnatic’s mid-lane prodigy, left to join G2, the rivalry became even more personal. His defection fueled fierce showdowns, with storylines of betrayal and redemption captivating fans.
Every G2 vs. Fnatic match carried the weight of legacy and pride. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about defining what it meant to be the best in Europe. To this day, their encounters remain some of the most-watched and passionately followed games in the LEC.
4. T1 vs. DAMWON KIA – The Battle of Eras
As League of Legends evolved, so did its champions. After T1’s dominance faded in the late 2010s, a new Korean powerhouse emerged: DAMWON KIA (DWG KIA). Led by ShowMaker and Canyon, DAMWON represented the next generation of Korean excellence, and their rivalry with T1 symbolized the passing of the torch between eras.
Their matches in the LCK playoffs and Worlds tournaments became legendary. In Worlds 2021, T1 and DAMWON met in an unforgettable semifinal clash. It was Faker, the most iconic player in LoL history, facing ShowMaker, the new prodigy often hailed as his successor. The series went to five games, with DAMWON narrowly defeating T1.
That series represented a narrative larger than the game itself—a battle between experience and innovation, history and the future. Even though T1 later reclaimed dominance with their 2023 Worlds win, the rivalry with DAMWON reminded fans that Korean League of Legends is defined not by one era, but by continuous evolution.
5. Invictus Gaming vs. FunPlus Phoenix – The Chinese Showdown
In China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL), the rivalry between Invictus Gaming (IG) and FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) defined the height of Chinese dominance on the international stage.
In 2018, Invictus Gaming made history by becoming the first Chinese team to win the World Championship. Their aggressive, fearless style—with TheShy, Rookie, and JackeyLove—set a new standard for excellence. But their reign was short-lived, as FPX emerged the following year with their own explosive playstyle led by Doinb and Tian.
When FPX won Worlds in 2019, defeating G2 Esports, fans saw it as the rise of a new dynasty. Matches between IG and FPX became showcases of mechanical brilliance and raw aggression. Each encounter felt like a clash of personalities as much as playstyles: IG’s chaotic genius versus FPX’s calculated teamwork.
Their rivalry represented the heart of the LPL—unpredictable, thrilling, and full of energy. It reminded the world why China had become a dominant force in League of Legends.
6. Cloud9 vs. Team Liquid – The North American Classic
In North America’s League Championship Series (LCS), few rivalries capture fans’ imagination like Cloud9 vs. Team Liquid. These two organizations have traded blows for years, battling for regional supremacy and international pride.
The rivalry intensified in the late 2010s, especially during the 2018–2020 seasons. Cloud9’s youthful energy and bold innovation often clashed with Team Liquid’s experience and discipline. Their repeated encounters in LCS Finals produced incredible storylines and unforgettable plays.
Perhaps the peak of their rivalry came during the 2019 LCS Summer Finals, when Team Liquid defeated Cloud9 in a thrilling five-game series. The victory solidified Team Liquid’s legacy as one of NA’s most dominant teams, while Cloud9’s consistent contention ensured the rivalry remained alive.
Even in later seasons, as rosters evolved, the Cloud9–Liquid matchup continued to define the region. It embodies the ongoing struggle within North American LoL to balance creativity, stability, and the pursuit of international success.
7. Faker vs. Rookie – The Battle of Mid Lane Legends
Not all rivalries are between teams—some are deeply personal. Among individual rivalries, few shine brighter than Faker vs. Rookie, two of the greatest mid-laners in League of Legends history.
Both players began their careers in Korea, with Rookie following in Faker’s footsteps as a young prodigy. When Rookie moved to China to join Invictus Gaming, their paths diverged but remained intertwined through international tournaments.
Their most iconic encounter came at Worlds 2018, when Invictus Gaming faced T1 (then SKT) in a match that symbolized a generational shift. Rookie’s victory that year—and IG’s subsequent world title—marked the first time Faker’s dominance was truly challenged on the global stage.
This rivalry isn’t fueled by hatred but by mutual respect and a shared pursuit of perfection. Faker and Rookie represent two sides of the same coin—players who define excellence in different ways. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of mid-laners worldwide.
8. G2 Esports vs. DAMWON KIA – East Meets West
In the international arena, few rivalries have captured the East-vs-West narrative quite like G2 Esports vs. DAMWON KIA. Their encounters at Worlds 2019 and Worlds 2020 embodied the contrast between Europe’s creative chaos and Korea’s disciplined precision.
In 2019, G2 eliminated DAMWON in the quarterfinals, using unpredictable strategies and aggressive plays to dismantle their opponents. But in 2020, DAMWON returned stronger, sweeping G2 in the semifinals with surgical efficiency. That defeat marked the end of G2’s dominant international run and heralded Korea’s return to glory.
This rivalry symbolized more than just regional pride—it represented the ongoing evolution of global League of Legends. It showed that the gap between regions was narrowing, and that innovation and adaptation were the keys to staying at the top.
9. EDward Gaming vs. Royal Never Give Up – The LPL Legacy Duel
Within the Chinese LPL, the battle between EDward Gaming (EDG) and Royal Never Give Up (RNG) is legendary. These two titans have been at the forefront of Chinese League of Legends for nearly a decade, dominating domestic tournaments and representing China on the international stage.
Their rivalry has produced countless iconic moments. RNG, with their charismatic leader Uzi, became the face of Chinese LoL, known for their flashy, aggressive play. EDG, on the other hand, represented discipline and structure, building teams that balanced experience and mechanical skill.
Their clashes in the LPL playoffs have repeatedly drawn massive audiences, with fans passionately divided between the two. The 2018 Spring Finals and 2021 Summer Finals were especially intense, showcasing not only individual brilliance but also the evolution of Chinese LoL tactics.
When EDG went on to win Worlds 2021, it reignited debates about which team truly defined Chinese dominance—RNG’s star power or EDG’s enduring consistency.
10. Faker vs. The World – The Eternal Rivalry
Perhaps the greatest rivalry of all isn’t between teams or individuals—it’s between Faker and everyone else who has tried to dethrone him. Since his debut in 2013, Faker has been the face of League of Legends. His unmatched skill, composure, and leadership have made him both a legend and the ultimate target.
Every generation of players—from Rookie and Uzi to Caps, ShowMaker, and Chovy—has sought to surpass Faker. Some succeeded briefly, others fell short, but all contributed to the mythos surrounding him.
Faker’s presence transforms every match into a narrative of legacy. His longevity, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made him a living symbol of competitive spirit. Whether he wins or loses, the world watches—because every rivalry against Faker becomes part of League of Legends history.
Conclusion
Rivalries are the soul of League of Legends esports. They ignite passion, push players to their limits, and give fans moments they will remember forever. From the historic Telecom War in Korea to the fierce duels of Europe and China, each rivalry tells a story of ambition, resilience, and evolution.
As the game continues to grow and new stars rise, fresh rivalries will emerge—each adding a new chapter to the ever-expanding saga of League of Legends. But the rivalries we’ve explored here will always hold a special place in history. They remind us why we watch, why we cheer, and why League of Legends remains one of the most compelling esports in the world.
In the end, the best rivalries aren’t just about who wins or loses. They’re about legacy—the shared pursuit of greatness that keeps the competitive flame alive. And as long as League of Legends continues to evolve, that flame will burn brighter than ever.
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